Federer beats Lopez to begin campaign

Former champion Roger Federer began his 46th straight Grand Slam championship on Monday with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) win over Feliciano Lopez at Roland Garros. It was his ninth straight win over the Spaniard and his 29th win of the year.

The 2009 titlist clinched one break of serve in each of the first two sets, before completing a two-hour victory in the tie-break with his 12th ace. Federer hit 40 winners in total and converted two of nine break point opportunities. He will next meet French wild card Maxime Teixeira.

The Swiss is the No. 3 seed at Roland Garros, marking the first time since June 2003 at Wimbledon that Federer has been outside of the top two seeds at a major championship. He is looking to capture his 17th Grand Slam trophy.

Date: 23.05.2011, Source: ATP